What recommendations do you have for someone who had 60 cc fluid drained at 3 weeks post op after drainless tummy tuck?

Question

I had a seroma drained with 60 cc of fluid removed at 3 weeks post op from a drainless tummy tuck. Should I be limiting my activity so it doesn't fill again? My doctor didn't seem to give the impression it will fill again since it was only 60 cc of fluid, is that common, that 60cc means only one draining is needed. Is there anything else I should do to make sure it doesn't refill besides compression? Would ice for 20 minutes over the binder help?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I am sorry to hear of your seroma issues.  After a seroma aspiration, I would recommend you apply a pressure bandage or reinforce your compression garment to help seal the skin to your stomach muscles where the seroma had been.  Limiting sheering forces (those that cause your skin to rub over your stomach) is also important, such as that from bending and extending as well as rotating at your waist.  Hopefully you will not have an additional seroma develop, but if one does, another aspiration may be needed.  Best wishes!

Marwan R. Khalifeh, MD · Answer

you definitely need compression.repeat aspirations to prevent reaccumulation is typically needed, so make sure you follow up regularly with your doctor.

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

You had a moderate sized seroma and since seromas tend to recur, best to wear your compression garment and limit strenuous activity. Also, best to follow closely with your operating surgeon so seromas can be drained as necessary. Good luck!!

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Sadly, seromas are one of the most common complications with a tummy tuck. Definitely continue with your compression garment. I would advise limiting your activity for now. Discuss with your surgeon when he or she thinks you can return to normal activity. And avoid ice since you are probably still numb in the area and could inadvertently burn your skin. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Nathan Kludt, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Seromas are the most frequent complication after abdominoplasty. I would definitely recommend you continue compression and try to limit your activity in the short term to prevent a recurrent seroma. I would avoid ice to your abdomen as your sensation has likely not returned to normal and you may damage your skin. Best regards, Dr. Kludt

What recommendations do you have for someone who had 60 cc fluid drained at 3 weeks post op after drainless tummy tuck?

Answers (10)

Answer: Post Op Care

Answer: Post Op Care

Answer: Seroma

Answer: Seroma

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Everything you need to know about Drainless Tummy Tuck

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What recommendations do you have for someone who had 60 cc fluid drained at 3 weeks post op after drainless tummy tuck?

Answers (10)

Answer: Post Op Care

Answer: Post Op Care

Answer: Seroma

Answer: Seroma

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Drainless Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.